Get the lowdown on MPO goingson with board’s new web site

Get the lowdown on MPO goingson with board’s new web site

Local traffic data, project plans, more now available online

news@theeveningtimes.com

The West Memphis Metropolitan Planning organization has a new website.

While planners hope users log in and make comments on future plans the site hosts loads of information concerning highways, bridges, air pollution, bike trails, and the MATA bus rides and crash data.

The West Memphis Area Transportation Study (WMATS) laid out long range plans through 2040.

MPO Study Director Eddie Brawley regularly speaks to civic organizations and concerned citizen groups about all things road related but asked for public on line input about the new long range plan called the West Memphis Area Transportation Study (WMATS).

“You can find the plans at wmats.org,” said Brawley.

“We have a survey on that site. We are asking that of all the groups we are meeting with. Look at the visions, goals and strategies and give us any thoughts you have on that. We are hoping to get public interest in this.”

Holding public information meetings seldom draws a big crowd, however Brawley reported at the MPO technical meeting that reaching out to make group presentations for organizations resulted in some early surveys results and the study director hoped for more through the website.

“We’re trying to get input from as many people as we can,” said Brawley.

Other tabs on the website may create some interest as well. Crash data including maps of accidents with collision year by year locations going back to 2009.

The bikeway plan is offered along with current project lists. There is even a page devoted the fabled third bridge, called the Southern Gateway complete with the slogan “crossing the river, connecting America.”

Arkansas live travel conditions are linked there to IDriveArkansas.com and TDOT smart way.

By John Rech